Boats

First Look: New Fishing Boats of 2015

Our monthly look at the newest boats on the market

By Staff

Updated: March 5, 2015

Grady-White Freedom 275

LENGTH: 26’11” | BEAM: 8’6″ | DRAFT: 20″ | WEIGHT: 4,972 lb. | FUEL: 184 gal. | MAX HP: 500 | PRICE: $169,000 w/ twin Yamaha F200s Anticipating the needs of anglers who enjoy time on the water with the family, Grady-White launches a new and improved version of its popular Freedom 275. The versatile dual-console model has been upgraded with a number of functional and plush features. A new deck design, an expanded helm area, a wider entry to the lockable port console with head, reconfigured deluxe seating and an optional wet bar setup with a grill and refrigerator are among the enhancements. The enlarged aft cockpit offers more room to fish or just chill. Grady-White’s patented aft bench-style seat folds away when things get busy. There’s also an integrated swim ladder with transom-door access. The bow now has seating for six, and the new layout allows longer-rod storage in the console. gradywhite.com Manufacturer

Sea Fox Commander 288

LENGTH: 28’0″ | BEAM: 9’8″ | DRAFT: 18″ | WEIGHT: 6,000 lb. | FUEL: 197 gal. | MAX HP: 600 | PRICE: $147,900 w/ twin Yamaha F300s A massive beam of nearly 10 feet afforded Sea Fox the real estate to include lots of fishing room, generous storage space, a range of functional features and a variety of seating arrangements in the new 28-foot Commander. At the bow, there’s a 40-inch-wide lounger with dual curved loungers on each side and a deep storage box beneath. The helm seating pod features a rigging station in back and a 65-quart Yeti cooler below on an electric slide. In the rear, jump seats and a bench accommodate four adults comfortably and fold down during fishing. A pair of cavernous in-deck fish boxes and a 60-gallon pressurized livewell with baffled divider and double-latched acrylic lid are also on the long list of standard features and available options. seafoxboats.com Manufacturer

Robalo R160

LENGTH: 16’4″ | BEAM: 7′ | DRAFT: 10″ WEIGHT: 1,600 lb. (dry hull) | FUEL: 12 gal. | MAX HP: 90 PRICE: $19,795 w/ Yamaha T50LB and aluminum trailer With the new R160, Robalo offers a well-built boat at a very appealing price point. Its extended V-plane hull, with the bottom extending beyond the transom, adds planing surface for improved performance, reduces pitching and increases buoyancy aft at rest. The large front casting platform houses a self-draining insulated compartment. The console includes a forward seat with a 16-gallon built-in cooler and removable bolster providing access to storage and a fuse panel. A 36-gallon cooler doubles as the helm seat with a reversible backrest. At the stern, jump seats that fold flat hide added storage below. Optional packages turn the console cooler into a livewell and add six vertical rod holders on the console and recessed racks for four additional rods under the gunwales. robalo.com

Action Craft 24 Coastal Bay ACE Premium Elite

LENGTH: 23’7″ | BEAM: 8’4″ | DRAFT: 10″ to 12″ WEIGHT: 2,150 lb. (dry hull) | FUEL: 71 gal. | MAX HP: 300 PRICE: $65,000 w/ 200 hp power motor Built on the tried-and-true platform of its popular 2310 TE, Action Craft introduces the 24 Coastal Bay ACE Premium Elite, a versatile center console with skinny-water and offshore capabilities. Featuring Action Craft’s patented Qui-Dry design for an exceptionally soft, quiet and dry ride, the hull of the new 24 Coastal Bay ACE also incorporates a pocket drive to run the shallows and a modified V to handle open water beyond the flats and bays. Anglers will appreciate the list of standard features, including a powder-coated Key West-style T-top, hydraulic jack plate, Power-Pole shallow-water anchoring system, 37- and 22-gallon livewells, lockable storage compartments fore and aft with room for 10 rods, and ample insulated fish-box space. actioncraft.com

RELEASE 208RX

LENGTH: 20’8″ | BEAM: 8’6″ | DRAFT: 12″ | WEIGHT: 2,500 lb. | FUEL: 68 gal. | MAX HP: 200 | PRICE: $39,995 well-equipped w/ Yamaha F150 and trailer The Release 208RX from Release Boats shapes up as a solid performer with hand-laid fiberglass composite construction, foam-filled box-beam stringer grid and all stainless or bronze through-hulls. With a draft of only 12 inches, anglers aboard this center console can target game fish in shallow bays as well as in open nearshore waters. The boat comes ready to fish, boasting a long list of standard equipment that includes a T-top with canvas canopy and spreader light, leaning post with cooler storage, bow cushions, cockpit bolsters, Porta Potti, aft bench seating for three with individual folding backrests, compass, hydraulic steering and more. Courtesy Release Boats

SEA CHASER 24 HFC SE

LENGTH: 23’9″ | BEAM: 8’5″ | DRAFT: 14″ | WEIGHT: 3,165 lb. | FUEL: 100 gal. | MAX HP: 300 | PRICE: $40,769 (w/ out power) Carolina Skiff‘s new Sea Chaser 24 HFC SE is a hybrid fishing/cruising boat with something to offer every member of the family. The boat’s step-hull design increases efficiency and improves performance, while numerous standard features serve both angling needs and creature comforts. There’s a side entry door, a 25-gallon recirculating livewell, six flush-mount rod holders on the gunwales, a leaning post with backrest and fold-down footrest, rear bench seat with insulated cooler, quick-disconnect windscreen, Infinity AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth, USB/auxiliary plug and four waterproof speakers, compass, LED lighting in all compartments, high-pressure raw-water washdown and a fold-down boarding ladder. Substantial storage space includes a 208-quart U-shaped compartment and 32-gallon fish box up front, a 100-quart removable cooler and a 52-quart compartment in the rear. Courtesy Carolina Skiffs

COBIA 277

LENGTH: 27’7″ | BEAM: 9’8″ | DRAFT: 23″ WEIGHT: 5,500 lb. | FUEL: 189 gal. | MAX HP: 500 PRICE: $114,718 w/ twin Yamaha F200s Loaded with features for the serious fisherman, the new Cobia 277 offers big water performance without neglecting creature comforts. Anglers will appreciate the single-level cockpit, dual oversize fish boxes with macerators, bolstered helm seats, raised 42-gallon livewell and the deluxe tackle station with optional rocket launcher rod rack. Covering boards in the aft cockpit provide storage for rods and gaffs, and the optional toe rails let anglers lock in and pull on big fish digging for the bottom. With twin Yamaha F200s, the 277 cruises in the mid-30s and reaches top speeds in the 50s. The 189-gallon fuel capacity affords the range for a day trip to the Bahamas or those less frequented fishing grounds. Manufacturer

STONER 23

LENGTH: 23′ | BEAM: 9’2″ | DRAFT: 19″ WEIGHT: 3,329 lb. | FUEL: 160 gal. | MAX HP: 300 PRICE: $95,000 w/ Yamaha F250 The new Stoner 23 from Stoner Boatworks blends two classic design styles, Palm Beach and Carolina. This 23-footer sports a high-rising bow for a dry ride, with a gradual bow-to-stern gunwale height transition. It also incorporates a custom fiberglass flotation bracket, a composite hull, and foam-cored transom, deck and outboard bracket for strength and light weight. Built for the avid angler, this center console features two large insulated fish boxes in the cockpit and another near the bow, a built-in cooler seat up front, a leaning post with tackle storage trays on both sides and a rocket launcher and a 60-gallon circular livewell in back. Powered with a Yamaha F250, the Stoner 23 hits 60 mph and cruises efficiently at 30 to 45 mph for extended range. Manufacturer

RELEASE 301RX

Length: 30’1″ | Beam: 9’6″ | Draft: 22″ | Weight: 5,500 lb. | Fuel: 220 gal. | Max hp: 600 | Price: $138,010 w/ twin Yamaha F250XA The Release 301RX is a versatile center console loaded with features for the serious angler and amenities to provide comfort during extended fishing trips and family outings. Ten flush-mounted holders on the gunwales and horizontal racks to port and starboard offer plenty of rod storage, while three in-deck fish boxes provide ample space to ice down your catch. Recessed bow rail, twin forward bench seats with storage, hanging anchor locker, raw-water washdown, fresh water at the transom, aerated livewell, cockpit courtesy lights, leaning post, walk-in head with electric toilet, freshwater shower and sink, auto-retractable trim tabs and a swim ladder all come standard. A hardtop with electronics box, full-length bolsters and Lewmar windlass are among several available options. Courtesy Release Boats

SCOUT 420 LXF

Length: 42’2″ | Beam: 13’1″ | Draft: 28″ | Weight: 15,800 lb. | Fuel: 500 gal. | Max hp: 1,675 | Price: $752,090 w/ quad Mercury 350XL With its sleek aesthetics, state-of-the-art technology and elegant appointments that Scout claims resemble those of a private jet, the 420LXF is the result of three years of R&D. The epoxy-infused double-stepped hull lends extra stability while reducing weight. And the long list of standard features includes a full transom walk-through platform, gas shock-assisted hatches, fish boxes with overboard discharge, retractable raw and freshwater hoses, Garmin electronics, Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth compatibility, to name a few. A hydraulic portside beach platform, retractable awning and underwater deck and bow cameras are among the numerous options available for owners to add a personal touch. Plus there’s also an optional SeaKeeper gyrostabilizer. Manufacturer

BOSTON WHALER 420 OUTRAGE

Length: 42’6″ | Beam: 13′ | Draft: 31″ | Weight: 22,000 lb. | Fuel: 600 gal. | Max hp: 1,675 | Price: $498,856 w/ quad 300 Mercury Verados Boston Whaler’s new 420 Outrage incorporates everything serious anglers require, in addition to a generous helping of creature comforts. With expansive bow area, innovative seating, convertible helm and cockpit areas and a fully equipped cabin, it’s equally adept at entertaining and pleasure cruising, close to home or long range. Mercury Joystick Piloting provides precision handling and maneuvering in close quarters. Mercury’s integrated SmartCraft VesselView display, power steering and digital throttle and shift combine on the 420 to deliver seamless control. Automatically adjusting trim tabs enhance ride quality effortlessly. bostonwhaler.com Courtesy of Boston Whaler

REGULATOR 23

Length: 27’6″ | Beam: 8’6″ | Draft: 21″ | Weight: 6,200 lb. | Fuel: 149 gal. | Max hp: 300 | Price: $92,395 w/ Yamaha F300 From the keel up, the Regulator 23, is built to meet a range of angling demands, whether it’s cruising the inshore grounds or running offshore for bigger game. Twin 160-quart fish boxes under the forward seats do double duty as extra dry storage; a 350-quart in-deck fish box and a 120-quart transom fish box provide plenty of ice-down capacity. The cockpit holds a 23-gallon livewell, a rigging station and freshwater washdown, plus locking rod storage and plenty of rod holders. Available options include a head, a 55-quart cooler that fits under the leaning post, fiberglass T-top and much more. Powered by a single Yamaha F300. regulatormarine.com Courtesy of Regulator

Stamas 390 TARPON

Length: 41’2″ | Beam: 12’6″ | Draft: 21″ | Weight: 14,200 lb. | Fuel: 410 gal. | Max hp: 1,050 | Price: $324,643 w/ twin Yahama F350s Following the success of its 390 Tarpon Center Console, Stamas introduces the 390 Aegean, an express sport-fisherman with room for all of the amenities to keep you comfortable at sea. Sleeping for six and a fully equipped galley are among the many features down below. The spacious cockpit rivals that of the big convertibles. The helm deck is raised for unobstructed 360-degree view. The automated sole raises up to reveal a cavernous bilge with ample stowage and access to all systems. stamas.com Courtesy of Stamas

CONTENDER 22 SPORT

Length: 22’6″ | Beam: 8’6″ | Draft: 18″ | Weight: 4,450 lb. | Fuel: 100 gal. | Max hp: 300 | Price: $79,087 w/ single Yamaha F250 Contender rounds out its small-boat class with the all-new 22 Sport, the boatbuilder’s first family-friendly package in a vessel under 25 feet. This model not only comes standard with forward and aft seating, it also has a step-down console with optional head. And the 22 Sport is definitely built with the fisher-man in mind, with features like a 26-gallon transom livewell, six under-gunwale rod racks and four flush-mount rod holders, three large fish boxes and plenty of insulated storage. contenderoffshore.com Courtesy of Contender